NATIONALISTS and unionists on a Co Derry council are split over a £12,000 proposal to rename an arts and cultural centre just five years after it opened.
Unionists on Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council last week voted in favour of a motion tabled by Ulster Unionist councillor Aaron Callan to rename the facility The Alexander Memorial Arts Centre, in memory of S.M. Alexander, a prominent businessman and landowner in the town.
A petition opposing the change has been launched by SDLP councillor Gerry Mullan and has gathered close to 1,000 signatures.
"Changing the name of the venue threatens its reputation, brand awareness and customer loyalty which has taken five years to firmly establish," the petition states.
"It is a neutral title which describes the geographical area of location as well as its primary function - as an arts centre. The current name is all-inclusive and inoffensive.
It adds: "Changing the name of the venue has severe cost implications at a time of extremely pressured budgets with no additional monies. To change the signage alone could cost in the region of £15,000 with the potential for further added costs if an equality impact assessment should be required or if legal challenges should arise."
Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre was officially opened in October 2010 by BBC broadcaster, Mark Carruthers, and then SDLP mayor of Limavady, councillor Michael Carten.
Councillor Callan said that Mr Alexander had made a positive contribution to Limavady through building a school and factory in the town.
He said: "Here was a guy who was an entrepreneur who spent a large amount of his time and money into improving his local area. This is a positive person who everyone in the community can get behind."
However, nationalists said the proposal was a waste of money and said Mr Alexander had been a landowner and divisive figure.
Sinn Féin group leader on the council, Dermot Nicholl, criticised the plans.
Councillor Nicholl said: "It beggars belief that the UUP and other unionists think this is a useful way to spend council time and money. It is again an attempt to trample over the nationalist people throughout the borough.
"The centre is doing perfectly well at the moment under its current name and everyone knows it. Any attempt to rename could be detrimental and cause confusion to tourists and locals alike. Anybody who has spoken to me about this cannot understand the motivation behind this and whether it is time well spent."
